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Friday, March 31, 2017

Letter from the New Director

Dear Shareholders of the Library Company of Philadelphia,

Having just finished my first month as the Edwin Wolf 2nd
Director, it is a good time to introduce myself.

These first few weeks have been a whirlwind – meeting with
staff, board, and members to learn as much as I can about how this amazing
organization works from the inside. As
hectic as this time has been, my work has been animated by the pride and excitement
that comes from crossing the threshold of 1314 Locust Street every day. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to serve you
as your Director, and to be entrusted with the care of this institution.

Dr. Michael J. Barsanti, Edwin Wolf 2ndDirector

In 1976, I was eight years old, and I lived in a suburb of
Boston. I was exactly the right age, and
in the right place, to be swept up in Bicentennial fever. I had a tricorn hat that I got on a visit to
the USS Constitution, a cap-firing musket, and the original cast recording of
“1776.” My fascination with the early
years of our country has never left me – which just adds to the feeling of
fulfillment that comes from being here.

With every day, I am also more aware that my experience and
skills have found a place where they are all fully engaged. For me, this
position is the culmination of a 25-year journey through the fields of
academia, museum management, philanthropy, and fundraising, with occasional
explorations into digital entrepreneurship, education, and literary
programming. There are few matters (but
there will be a few!) that will cross my desk that I have not had some
experience with before.

My vision for the Library Company is that we become a place
known for innovation in history, particularly new ways of learning history that
will engage the general public. I
believe the best way to do this is to retain our focus on our scholars, and to
provide for them a platform to reach broader audiences Thus we build on what we do best – serve the
scholars who are writing the next draft of history.

You, as a member, will be critical to realizing this
vision. The Library Company is built on
Membership, and the only reason the organization has survived so long and so
well is because of the dedication of its members. I want to reanimate the spirit of our
original Shareholders who sought to learn not just from the library, but from
each other. To this end, we will look closely
at our membership program and talk to as many of you as possible, to try to
find new ways of serving your needs and connecting you to each other.

Again, I am deeply grateful and honored to hold this unique
place, and I look forward to working with you to continue its success and make
it a dynamic and relevant organization as it looks ahead to its 300th
year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael J. Barsanti
Edwin Wolf 2nd Director

PS: I hope I will get to meet you at the upcoming Annual
Shareholder’s Meeting, which will be held here at the Library Company on May 9,
2017 at 5 pm.